Warrington Pupils Learn About A Parcel’s Journey During Hermes Visit

Enthusiastic primary school pupils from Warrington visited one of the largest distribution hubs in the UK to learn all about the journey of a parcel. Year Five students from St Monica’s Catholic Primary School took part in an informative visit to Hermes’ 15,000 square foot warehouse at the Omega Business Park.

The event was organised to show pupils how a parcel is processed for home delivery following an online shopping order, whilst also educating the children on best health and safety practices within a busy distribution centre and around the vehicles that operate on site. Excited pupils, who all recently passed their cycling proficiency test, were each given a package of their own to put on the conveyor, which was then waiting for them in the classroom upon their return.

Paul Curnane, Warrington Hub Transport Shift Manager, arranged the visit alongside Wayne Antrobus, Warehouse Operations Manager. He said: “It was really fascinating for the children to learn about the journey of a parcel, from the click of a mouse, to the package arriving at their front door. The pupils loved putting their own parcels upon the conveyor, and we made sure the box of goodies, which included a book and some sweets, were waiting for them when they arrived back to school.”

Driving games using a remote controlled car and a drawing competition also took place and prizes given to the winning children.

Paul added: “The feedback from the school and parents has been fantastic. We have been told there is an album of letters from the children and teachers expressing their thanks and sharing their experience of the day. We can’t wait to read them!”

The purpose built Warrington hub was initially opened in May 2014, costing £14 million. The second tier, which cost a further £10 million, was completed the following year, allowing Hermes to process up to one million parcels a day on the site. Approximately 230 employees work at the Warrington hub on an average day, which rises to 650 staff during the peak season.